I am a fun-loving, positive-thinking, music-minded girl who has slayed the breast cancer dragon three times and looking forward to being done with reconstruction.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

I'll Take Care of You

At the end of a long lazy Sunday, I am reflecting on the importance of support. My thoughts are consumed with the amazing array of ways we can and more importantly choose to express our love, compassion, and concern for each other. As I was parking at the grocery store earlier today, a father and his two daughters caught my eye. I watched as he revealed himself to be a thoughtful daddy, keeping the girls near his small truck as he loaded their groceries. I noticed the two girls were probably 2-3 years apart and the time warp back to a simpler time overwhelmed me.

A family friend of mine took the bracelet right off her arm Friday night because I was admiring it and placed it on mine. A long distance friend of mine (without even knowing I'd had a emotionally draining day) suggested today I get myself out of the house and have a mani/pedi "on her." Another friend made sure I ate something decent for dinner and even threw in a few laughs for good measure. My mama made the statement that I had been "quiet" today.....and the fact that she let me be quiet shows her understanding and support.

This past Friday was Relay for Life. I am sad to say I knew even more participants this year than last but I am also proud. The people, especially the women, are resilient, beautiful, and stronger than most. They glow from the inside out and it is almost blinding when everyone is in one collected place. In case you are not familiar with this event, it is as much for our caregivers as it is for us. We take a symbolic "Survivors' Lap" and spend the rest of the evening with those who walk along side us in our arduous journeys: nurses, radiologic technicians, coworkers, friends, and family.

Chemo has been very smooth in recent weeks. Physically, I have been bouncing back for the most part with the exception of what I call "side effect days"...and my spring weekends have been packed with my BFF's daughter's soccer games and excursions like National Record Store day with buddies.

Stay tuned for some pretty cool updates. The summer promises to bring newness and excitement.

1 comment:

Beautiful post, Carly. As I read your words about what support really means, I thought about a very close friend who's been supportive of me in recent years. Although my situation is not illness-related, I deal with something tough that finds me mentally and emotionally drained on most days - and it's the patience, understanding, and thoughtfulness of this friend that keeps me grounded. He provides a listening ear and a voice of reason when needed, and often pops little gifts on me when I least expect it because he and I also both know what it feels like when money is tight. Having a friend like this helps me realize that life isn't all bad and that sometimes the biggest blessings are the smallest acts of kindness.